The South-West Governors’ Forum has reiterated its support for the establishment of State Police, citing the need to enhance efforts in tackling insecurity across Nigeria. The forum, comprising governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, made this declaration after a meeting held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

According to a communique read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the creation of state police would bolster ongoing security initiatives. The forum tasked President Bola Tinubu with prioritizing the fight against insecurity, economic reforms, and other developmental agendas. The governors also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government’s efforts to address recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, commending the swift response in rescuing abductees.

The forum reviewed the current security situation in the South-West region and resolved to establish a South-West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission. This fund will be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South-West States, with monthly meetings. A Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform will also be created to facilitate the exchange of threat notifications, incident logs, and travelers’ alerts.

The governors called on the Federal Government to enhance forest surveillance across the South-West States, deploying forest guards to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. They also expressed concern about unregulated interstate migration and illegal mining activities, advocating for stricter border monitoring and a comprehensive licensing framework.

The forum emphasized the need for residents to remain united and committed to maintaining peace in the region, urging them to guard the existing religious tolerance. The six South-West governors, including Biodun Oyebanji, Seyi Makinde, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and Ademola Adeleke, reaffirmed their collective commitment to addressing security challenges and promoting development in the region.